We are our choices . Jean-Paul Sartres

February 7, 2018March 15, 2018

Coffees In Copenhagen.

The first 2018 trip abroad to Copenhagen was fantastic !!!

Denmark’s culture and society stem from a long history and an ethnically homogeneous people. In Denmark, culture can be described through these three aspects of Danish life: simplicity, politeness, and equality.

I had done a tiny bit of research and was very keen to discover the “hygee” life style and let me tell you the atmosphere around the city is definitely HYGEE.

Simplicity

A simple life is the essence of the culture of Denmark. Not much interest is given to possessions or high income, and bragging is considered rude. Which is 100% my idea of what our society should feel like. I love a culture that teaches more about who we are as citizens. A culture that is not defining us based on what we possess or don’t possess. A culture that isn’t making us want more, but a culture that encourages us to be grateful for what we do have and make the most of it. Copenhagen shouts: Be kind, be smart, respect one another and your environment. Amen.

Politeness

When meeting citizens of Denmark, culture is a big part of the type of polite greetings as I am told. I notice Danish cycling being courteous, commuters in metro being honest and general ambiance feeling safe & respectful. The streets are clean, and everyone seem to take responsibility for its environment. Amen.

Equality

I read that women and men are equal in today’s culture in Denmark and receive equal pay and promotions. Paid maternity leave is available for approximately 10 months. The culture in Denmark has come to grow a happy and peaceful people willing to pay the world’s highest taxes in return for solid coverage of health care, unemployment and many other social services provided by the Danish government. When can I move in ?

Food

Safe to say my French “palais” definitely enjoyed the trip. Over the last decade, the New Nordic Cuisine has revolutionised Danish gastronomy and created an entirely new focus on local ingredients such as sea buckthorn, foraged mushrooms and wild plants, rye bread, a host of local fish, game, and produces. It has meant a renaissance of classic Danish dishes, which are currently available in modern versions at several of Copenhagen’s best restaurants. We went for a 5 courses “Nordic Experience” at Radio and I ate a meal I will remember for the next 50 years if I live this long.

The food was so delicately prepared, each of the 5 dishes introduced by the Chef himself as he served them and complimented by a glass a wine.

(Be prepared to pay DKK 399 for the courses plus DKK 299 for the wine, which is around £75, but definitely worth it)

Freetown Christiania is a green and car-free neighbourhood in Copenhagen, best known for its autonomous inhabitants’ different way of life. It was established in 1971 by a group of hippies who occupied some abandoned military barracks on the site and developed their own set of society rules, completely independent of the Danish government.

Christiania existed under special conditions for 40 years with constant conflicts and clashes between the local Christianites and the Danish state. After many years of uncertainty about the future of Christiania, an agreement was entered in 2011, which meant that on 1 July 2012, a foundation, the Foundation Freetown Christiania, was founded. The foundation now owns the entire part of Christiania located outside the protected ramparts and leases buildings and land on the ramparts, which are still owned by the state. Part of the money is raised by selling the symbolic Christiania shares.

Freetown Christiania is a mix of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, music venues, cheap and organic eateries, and beautiful nature. It is still a society within a society, for an example you cannot buy a house in Christiania. You have to apply for it, and if successful, it is given to you. The area is open to the public – even with guided tours, run by the local Christianites.

For your own safety, visitors are advised not to film nor photograph in Christiania, especially not in the area in and around Pusher Street, mainly due to the hash dealing, which is illegal in Denmark. At the entrance you will find signs indicating ‘do’s and don’ts’ in the area. We advice you to take them seriously and follow them for your own safety